Choose a landscape designer WILLIAM BERRY / Cox News Service The detail of your landscaping work depends on you and your budget. Make sure to go over the finished landscaping with the designer to make sure it is satisfactory. FIVE POINTS TO REMEMBER 1. Select a landscaper approved by the American Society of Landscape Designers by performing a search at www.asla.org. ALSA approved landscapers are certified, licensed and educated to meet or exceed industry standards. 2. Have the designer inspect your property and present to you a detailed sketch map of the plans they have for beautifying your land. 3. Elaborate landscapes cost serious money. Make sure the proposal you receive fits your budget. Get at least three proposals and designs before selecting the landscaper. Always have in writing what happens in the event of cost overruns. 4. Receive all necessary approvals and insist that the landscaper and contractors take all precautions for safety and environmental concerns. Then, protect your liability by asking all contractors to physically show you proof of licensing, bonding and insurance before the construction begins. 5. Inspect the end-product with the original designer to make sure the work is done to your satisfaction. HOW TO ... Cox News Service A beautifully landscaped property can add signifi- cant value to your home and serve as a focal point for you and your guests to admire and enjoy for years. But choosing a professional landscape designer is crucial for getting the result that you desire. Landscape designer can cost as little as $1,000 and go consider- ably higher. For example, elabo- rate yards and Japanese gardens can easily cost more than $20,000. In any case, you want to make sure that the person you hire is worth the price. The American Society of Land- scape Architects (ASLA) is a pro- fessional organization of licensed, trained, and certified landscape designers. You can search for a certified designer in your area at the organization’s website at www.asla.org. Even with a designer recommended by the ASLA, always check references first, ask to see examples of the designer’s work, and get a written estimate that clearly states how he or she will design your land- scaping dream. A good landscape designer will come to your property and later give you a sketch drawing of their design plans. It’s wise to get three estimates in writing, and go with the person who you are most com- fortable hiring. Make sure the landscaper gives you a proposal that fits your budget. Always ask upfront — and get in writing — what happens if there are cost overruns. Also, while some land- scape designers will work with contractors or subcontractors they trust, others will work to help you choose the actual people who dig in the dirt. If you have to answer to your Homeowner’s Association, make sure you get approval from the HOA before the first stone is turned. Otherwise, you could find yourself with a potential fine and possibly receive an order to remove the work at your expense, a scenario that could turn your new rose bush into a house of thorns. Work with the designer to ensure that all ordinances, approvals, and utility company lines are accounted for before the dig begins. For example, lakes and canals must be protected from run-off with — at the very least plastic — construction bar- rier fences. Also, all cable, gas, power, and phone lines should be flagged or clearly marked by the local utilities. This should be standard operating procedure for the designer and the contractors. If it isn’t, you might want to find another designer and landscaper to do the work. Have all contractors show you evidence that they are licensed, bonded, and insured before they work on the property. This helps to maintain the credibility of the workers hired, as well as reduce your risk of liability in the event of damage or a worksite injury. Once the construction begins, inspect the work performed to ensure the end-product meets your expectations. Also, find out if there is a warranty on the work -- and get the promise in writing. For example, some landscapers warranty a newly installed lawn through one growing season. At the end of the project, insist that the designer do a final inspection of the property. Have them fix anything that is not up to the contract’s specifications. Then, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your newly-installed work of gardening art.